A travel expert has warned Brits heading to Spain to check one thing before travelling as part of the country recovers from severe wildfires. Blazes in Tarifa have been brought under control as emergency services evacuated more than 1,000 people from the area. The flames spread due to a motorhome that caught fire and strong winds in the area. Amid the scorching heatwave in the country, experts have warned of wildfire risks in other parts of the country.
Maps show much of the country at high risk of wildfires as the heatwave continues. Meanwhile, weather maps show much of Spain scorching under 40C temperatures, including popular tourist areas in the south of the country. Amid the recent wildfires in Spain and France, Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, shared her advice for those who are due to jet off to these destinations this month.
She urges tourists to check their travel insurance policies before they travel, and change them if they do not have one thing included: coverage for natural disasters. She revealed: “Under UK and EU regulation, airlines do not need to compensate for delayed or cancelled flights in ‘extraordinary circumstances’, which include natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, extreme weather and volcanic eruptions.
“However, if your flight is delayed because of ‘extraordinary circumstances’, your airline does have an obligation to offer you food, drink and accommodation depending on the length of delay.”
She explained: “In many cases, natural disasters, such as the wildfires, or extreme weather can’t be predicted and would therefore be classed as an unforeseen or unavoidable event. However, if extreme conditions are forecasted before you book or leave for your trip and you choose to travel regardless, your insurance may not cover you for any related problems.
“Buying travel insurance as soon as you book your trip ensures that you are covered if you need to cancel your holiday, but make sure to check your policy terms. Some travel insurance providers might not cover you as standard in the event of a natural disaster.
“If your policy does include natural disaster cover, this will only be paid out if the FCDO advises against anything other than essential travel. You would not receive any cancellation cover from your insurance if the airline is operating as normal.
“If your plans are affected by a disaster or weather conditions, contact your insurer and airline provider as soon as possible.”